the big o

In February of 2004, the first family of stemware, Riedel crystal, cut out the middleman between glass and lips. That is, they released a stunning new line of glassware sans stems. According to the manufacturer, the name "O" refers to the glasses' rounded shape, but we have a few interpretations of our own.

Beyond the innuendos invoked by sexy glass shape, the "O" glasses combine quality craftsmanship with a stunning think-outside-the-box design. The bowl of the glasses replicate those of Riedel's Vinum series with six shapes, each appropriate for different wine styles including Cab/Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir/Nebbiolo.

We should make one thing clear: these glasses are impossible for cocktail soirees. Without a graceful stem to balance, the drinker is forced to clutch the glass by the bowl a shameful diservice to wine within.

But for dinner parties these tumblers are as fine as a twenty-something starlet dressed in vintage Chanel. Treading a comfortable line between trend-setting and classic, the "O" glasses afford never before seen practicality. Sturdy but sensuous these low to the table numbers are nearly spillproof. And just think how much easier it will be to make eyes with the Cassanova across the table without having to play dodge the stemware.